RSL’s “Executive Club”: What is it, and where will it be?

This isn’t the sort of addition we’re accustomed to at Real Salt Lake: The club’s adding a ritzy “Executive Club” that’s being pitched as a sort of hyper-exclusive area for Salt Lake-area business executives.

Interesting, no? This is all from a club-issued press release. It’s hard to say where it would be placed — just that it’s on the east side

Some renderings follow from RSL Communications.

These renderings would seem to indicate the Executive Club would be situated centrally on the east side of the stadium, and the angle makes it look very much like might be main level of the stadium.

That specific area is pretty much unused now, with only a couple cart-style vendors in that location during most matches. We’ll have to see exactly how this shapes out, but it doesn’t seem like it would take up any space that would otherwise be used by supporters. That area is situated directly between fairly large concessions stands.

From the press release, the following amenities are offered:

• Valet parking and private parking lot available with VIP private entrance
• Pre-game access to the Executive Club
• Member Recognition Plaque
• Exceptional Gourmet Buffet
• Bar service with alcoholic and non-alcoholic specialty drinks available
• Midfield padded stadium seats
• Personalized name on stadium seat
• Pre-game field access once per year with on-field seating available
• Real Salt Lake Executive Club lapel pin and scarf
• Use of the Executive Club for company events on non-game days

Dell Loy Hansen, from the RSL press release:

"We invite innovators across our community to join this "purposeful" club, which surely will open numerous doors for true business development," continued Hansen, who has consistently invested in capital improvements to the world-class venue each of the past several years. "With the unique heartbeat of RSL games in the background, members and their guests will connect to hundreds of our business leaders and executives, building relationships and making connections. Truly exceptional food and beverage offerings will enhance the ability to enjoy each event, with the ambience of ‘The World's Game' underlining a deeper connection to potential clientele."

One thing’s certain — those executive club scarves will be hot commodities.

What does all this mean, though? Well, it’s certainly very much in-line with Dell Loy Hansen’s vision for Real Salt Lake’s place in the business community. He’s made statements in the past about how a successful sports team can pay significant dividends for state business, and it does appear he’s banking on that very thing.